ADMISSIONS
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Frequently Asked Questions
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We have prepared a list of the most frequently asked questions by new families, along with answers. If you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us directly.
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What are the school hours at IST?
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Primary students attend school from 08h30 to 16h00 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 08h30 to 12h00 on Wednesday.
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Secondary students attend school from 08h30 to 16h15 on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and from 08h30 to 12h00 on Wednesday.
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What is your school calendar?
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Our school year generally follows the French Schools’ calendar and begins in early September and finishes at the beginning of July.
There are usually 2 weeks holiday in October, 2 weeks at Christmas, 2 weeks in February/March, 2 weeks in April and 7-8 weeks in the summer.
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Where do IST students come from?
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The International School of Toulouse welcomes students from all over the world. There are currently over 30 nationalities represented within the student body.
Approximately 24% of students at the school are British, 31% Spanish and 16% French
On average our students are with us for 3 years. Approximately 16% of our students relocate at the end of each school year.
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My child has never attended an international school - will it be difficult for my child to adapt to IST?
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We are used to welcoming children from a wide rage of different backgrounds and our friendly students and staff will quickly make your child feel at home. At the beginning of each year we have an orientation day when parents and students can tour the school, meet the teachers and have the opportunity to talk to current students and their parents. If you arrive during the academic year we can arrange a tour of the school and put you in touch with our parent representatives.
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What curriculum do you follow?
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We follow an international curriculum.
The Primary School is in the process of introducing the International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme (PYP) for all students aged 3-12.
The Secondary School prepares students for Cambridge IGCSE examinations at the end of Grade 10 and for the International Baccalaureate Diploma in Grades 11-12.
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Does my child need to be fluent in English to attend IST?
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With such an international population many of our children are not fluent in English when they arrive at IST and some have no prior knowledge of the language. Our teachers and our other students are skilled in making them feel at home and IST offers English language support in both the Primary and Secondary School. However, there are no dedicated EAL classes in the Secondary School and therefore some prior knowledge of English is desirable.
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What languages are taught at IST?
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French is taught at beginners, intermediate and advanced levels to all students, Primary and Secondary. Physical Education classes are also taught in French and children are encouraged to join clubs and activities in their local community on Wednesday afternoons.
Students also study Spanish or German in the Secondary School for at least 3 years, either as a first or foreign language.
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Does IST accept children with special learning needs?
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IST can support students with mild learning difficulties.
Primary consideration in offering a place will be the student’s ability to achieve success in the regular curriculum with limited support.
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Canteen
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The School canteen provides delicious well-balanced meals in a pleasant environment at reasonable cost. The meals are prepared in the kitchens on site by a French chef and dedicated canteen staff.
All students, from Kindergarten 0 to Grade 10 inclusive, remaining on site at lunchtime must eat in the canteen. Grade 11 and 12 students may choose to eat in the canteen, leave the building at lunch time to eat elsewhere or bring a packed lunch to eat in their common room.
There is no provision for any other students to bring a packed lunch to school. Parents who do not wish their child to have a school meal are required to collect their child at the end of the morning session and return them to school in time for the start of afternoon school.
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Is there a School Bus Service?
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The School does not operate a bus service.
The School is located in the town of Colomiers which has good public transport links. Parents are encouraged to car-share and there are walking groups from a variety of locations.
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What are the class sizes?
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The average class size is 18 students.
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Safety & Security
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A safe and secure learning environment for our students, staff, and the whole IST community is a high priority at the International School of Toulouse. Procedures, rules and regulations are in place in order to minimize the risks to students, staff, buildings and equipment. There are security guards on duty at all times and the school campus is monitored by security cameras.
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Is there a Registration deadline? / When can my child join IST?
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We welcome children to IST throughout the year and it is possible for a child to begin school as soon as the admissions procedure is completed and a place has been offered. The Admissions office will contact you with the specific starting date.
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Please note that there are waiting lists for some classes.
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How can parents be involved in School Life?
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IST has two formal parent organisations.
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Upon joining the IST community, all parents become members of the Ê»Friends of IST’ Parent Association which is a welcoming community for lively social exchange whilst supporting the School. As members of the Ê»Friends of IST’ parents can participate in activities celebrating the SchoolÊ»s diversity and creativity, volunteer their time and talents to social endeavours and support the School community.
Within the Primary and Secondary Schools we have Parent Delegates representing each year group. The Delegates meet with the Head of Primary/Secondary each half term and these meetings are an important means of identifying issues of concern to parents, celebrating successes and offering the School constructive feedback.
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Can IST graduates attend universities anywhere in the world?
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Recent graduates from IST have been offered places in colleges and universities in France, Spain, Holland, Canada, the UK and the USA. Our dedicated Careers Coordinator works closely with students and their parents assisting them with course selection and applications and helping students maximize their potential for university admissions.
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Are there any extra-curricular activities?
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Instrumental music tuition is available for students from Grade 2 to Grade 12. A wide range of instruments including guitar, violin, piano, vocal, trumpet, saxophone, drums and flute are available and students are encouraged to join the Eurocampus orchestra and other ensembles once they reach a level of competence. There is also a choir in both the Primary and Secondary Schools.
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In the Secondary School other activities include science, drama, art, music and maths clubs and opportunities to be involved in the school production which is an annual musical involving the majority of students in the Grades 6-8.
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Local guiding and scout groups meet on the Eurocampus site and many students belong to the football club which meets both mid-week and on Saturdays.
Is there a before/after-school childminding service?
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The Deutsche Schule Toulouse, which shares the Eurocampus with IST, runs a before and after-school ‘garderie’ child-care service for Primary School children from both schools.
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Where do IST families live?
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A large number of families live to the west of Colomiers, between Seilh to the north, Fonsorbes to the south and l’Isle Jourdain to the west.
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